Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A wired charging method of a semiconductor integrated circuit, the semiconductor integrated circuit configured to support a wired charging mode, a wireless charging mode, and a magnetic secure transmission (MST) mode, the method comprising: setting, via instructions from a controller, the semiconductor integrated circuit to the wired charging mode; turning off a first switch and a second switch, turning on third switch and turning on a fourth switch, via instructions from the controller, the first switch and the second switch being connected in parallel to an intermediate node of a Wireless Recharge/MST device included in the semiconductor integrated circuit, the third switch being between the first switch and a ground, and the fourth switch being between the second switch and the ground; activating, via instructions from the controller, a linear charger, the linear charger being between the intermediate node and a battery; and turning on a recharge switch between an external power source and the intermediate node to form a current path from a charging terminal to the battery via the linear charger.
A semiconductor integrated circuit supports wired charging, wireless charging, and magnetic secure transmission (MST) modes. The invention addresses the need for efficient wired charging while ensuring compatibility with other modes. The method involves configuring the circuit for wired charging by controlling multiple switches and a linear charger. A controller instructs the circuit to enter wired charging mode, then turns off two parallel switches connected to an intermediate node of a Wireless Recharge/MST device. A third switch between the first parallel switch and ground and a fourth switch between the second parallel switch and ground are turned on. This configuration isolates the wireless and MST components while enabling wired charging. The linear charger, positioned between the intermediate node and a battery, is activated to regulate power delivery. A recharge switch between an external power source and the intermediate node is turned on, creating a direct current path from the charging terminal to the battery through the linear charger. This ensures stable and efficient wired charging while maintaining the circuit's ability to switch between modes.
2. The wired charging method of claim 1 , wherein the recharge switch is off, if the semiconductor integrated circuit is operating one of in the wireless charging mode and the MST mode.
A wired charging method for electronic devices with multiple power transfer modes, including wired charging, wireless charging, and magnetic secure transmission (MST). The method addresses the issue of power conflicts when multiple charging modes are active simultaneously, which can lead to inefficient charging, overheating, or circuit damage. The invention ensures that when a semiconductor integrated circuit is operating in either wireless charging or MST mode, the wired charging switch is automatically turned off to prevent interference. This selective deactivation of wired charging maintains stable power delivery and avoids potential electrical conflicts between different charging pathways. The method is particularly useful in devices that support multiple charging technologies, such as smartphones, wearables, or other portable electronics, where seamless and safe power management is critical. By dynamically controlling the wired charging switch based on the active mode of the semiconductor circuit, the invention enhances reliability and safety during charging operations.
3. The wired charging method of claim 1 , wherein the recharge switch comprises: an NMOS transistor having a drain terminal connected to the intermediate node.
4. The wired charging method of claim 1 , wherein the linear charger is configured to, provide a uniform amount of current to the battery, if the semiconductor integrated circuit is operating in one of the wireless charging mode and the wired charging mode, and provide a voltage of the battery to the Wireless Recharge/MST device through the intermediate node, if the semiconductor integrated circuit is operating in the MST mode.
A semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) is configured to manage power distribution between a battery, a wireless charging system, and a wireless transmission system (e.g., Magnetic Secure Transmission, MST). The IC includes a linear charger that regulates power delivery to the battery. In wired charging mode, the linear charger supplies a constant current to the battery. When operating in wireless charging mode, the IC enables power transfer from an external wireless charger to the battery. In MST mode, the IC routes the battery voltage to the MST device through an intermediate node, allowing the device to transmit power or data wirelessly. The IC dynamically switches between these modes to ensure efficient power management, preventing conflicts between charging and wireless transmission functions. This design is particularly useful in mobile devices where multiple power-related functions must coexist without interference. The linear charger ensures stable battery charging while supporting seamless transitions between charging and wireless transmission operations.
5. The wired charging method of claim 1 , wherein the Wireless Recharge/MST device is controlled by first to fourth control signals, and a plurality of switches included in the Wireless Recharge/MST device comprises: the first switch configured to provide a current path between the intermediate node and a first input/output (I/O) node in response to the first control signal; the second switch configured to provide a current path between the intermediate node and a second I/O node in response to the second control signal; the third switch configured to provide a current path between the first I/O node and the ground in response to the third control signal; and the fourth switch configured to provide a current path between the second I/O node and the ground in response to the fourth control signal.
This invention relates to a wired charging method for a Wireless Recharge/MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) device, addressing the need for efficient control of power transfer in dual-function wireless charging and MST systems. The device includes a plurality of switches that manage current paths between an intermediate node and two input/output (I/O) nodes, as well as between the I/O nodes and ground. The first switch connects the intermediate node to the first I/O node in response to a first control signal, while the second switch connects the intermediate node to the second I/O node in response to a second control signal. The third switch grounds the first I/O node based on a third control signal, and the fourth switch grounds the second I/O node based on a fourth control signal. This configuration allows selective routing of current to optimize power transfer for either wireless charging or MST operations, ensuring compatibility with different power delivery requirements. The switches enable dynamic adjustment of current paths, improving efficiency and reliability in dual-mode devices. The system ensures proper grounding and isolation when needed, preventing interference between charging and MST functions. This method enhances the versatility of wireless charging devices that also support MST, addressing challenges in managing power distribution in multi-functional systems.
6. The wired charging method of claim 1 , wherein each of the first switch and the second switch includes a PMOS transistor, and each of the third switch and the fourth switch includes an NMOS transistor.
This invention relates to a wired charging method for electronic devices, specifically addressing the need for efficient power transfer and protection in charging circuits. The method involves a charging circuit with four switches that control the flow of power between a power source and a device being charged. The first and second switches are implemented using PMOS transistors, which are typically used for high-side switching to handle positive voltage levels. The third and fourth switches are implemented using NMOS transistors, which are often used for low-side switching to handle ground or negative voltage levels. The combination of PMOS and NMOS transistors in the switching circuit ensures efficient power transfer while minimizing power loss and heat generation. The use of these specific transistor types allows for precise control of current flow, reducing the risk of overcurrent or overvoltage conditions that could damage the device or the power source. The method also ensures bidirectional power flow, enabling the device to act as either a power source or a power sink, depending on the charging requirements. This design improves charging efficiency, reliability, and safety in wired charging systems.
7. The wired charging method of claim 6 , wherein the first switch and the second switch are off and the third switch and the fourth switch are on, if the semiconductor integrated circuit is operating in the wired charging mode.
This invention relates to a wired charging method for a semiconductor integrated circuit, addressing the need for efficient power management during wired charging operations. The method involves controlling multiple switches to optimize power delivery and system performance. Specifically, when the semiconductor integrated circuit operates in wired charging mode, the first and second switches are turned off, while the third and fourth switches are turned on. This configuration ensures proper power routing and prevents unnecessary power dissipation, enhancing charging efficiency. The method may also include additional steps such as detecting a charging state, adjusting power levels, or managing thermal conditions to maintain stable operation. By selectively activating and deactivating switches, the system ensures that power is directed appropriately, reducing energy loss and improving overall charging performance. The invention is particularly useful in portable electronic devices where efficient power management is critical for extending battery life and maintaining device functionality during charging.
8. The wired charging method of claim 6 , wherein the Wireless Recharge/MST device is connected to a transceiver, and the wireless Recharge/MST device configured to, receive a wireless charging current from the transceiver via a first input/output (I/O) node and a second I/O node, if the semiconductor integrated circuit is operating in the wireless charging mode, and provide the transceiver with a MST current via the first I/O node and the second I/O node, if the semiconductor integrated circuit is operating in the MST mode, the transceiver configured to generate a magnetic signal based on the MST current.
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March 23, 2021
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